The Attorney General’s race between incumbent Democratic Peter Kilmartin and Republican State Senator Dawson Hodgson has been overshadowed by most of the other races. Hodgson has been desperately trying to get headlines and traction, but it’s clearly an uphill battle. His argument is that Kilmartin doesn’t have much to show in at least three big cases, 38 Studios, Dan Doyle (URI Institution for International Sports) and public corruption (Gordon Fox).
The winner of the November election will serve as the chief legal advisor of the government and the state’s top law enforcement officer, overseeing a $36-million budget and a 230-person staff including 100 lawyers in new office space. Kilmartin decided to use money from the Google settlement to purchase the building next door that was vacated by Partridge Snow & Hahn. “We were desperately low on space and this was a perfect fit,” Kilmartin explains. Unfortunately this ‘perfect fit’ means that the City of Providence, which is already reeling, will take an annual six-figure hit as still another property is taken off the City’s tax rolls.
Dawson Hodgson
Peter Kilmartin
Peter Kilmartin was elected the 73rd Attorney General of Rhode Island on a platform to enhance economic security, protect the public safety of communities and families and restore the public trust in state government.
He graduated from Tolman High School and enrolled in the Pawtucket police academy. Over two decades, he rose from a patrolman to officer in charge of prosecutions, earning the rank of captain. In 1990, he was elected as a state representative where he served for 20 years.
As Attorney General, has created the Child Abuse Unit to prosecute individuals charged with physical and sexual abuse of minors, proposed stricter penalties for illegal firearms possession and indicted MS-13 gang members, including their leader, for various gun, drug and assault crimes. He also proposed and got passed legislation that enhances penalties for all gang members convicted of felonies.
He also explains how he has taken on Wall Street. “RI became part of the national mortgage settlement with the nation’s five largest mortgage service providers over foreclosure and mortgage abuses, and mortgage bringing more than $150 million in benefits and relief to homeowners.”
And as for 38 Studios? “I was heavily involved in the investigation with the State Police,” he explains. “But it will take time and I am bound by court rules from commenting on an ongoing investigation.”
As AG, Kilmartin has been recognized by a wide array of groups, including: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the National Guard.
Kilmartin earned degrees from Roger Williams University and the Roger Williams School of Law. Peter and his wife Kristine live in Pawtucket and were founders of the Pawtucket Arts Festival.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here